Afghanistan passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of Afghanistan

Embassy / VFSCanada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Visa validity	180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	30–90 days
Government fee	CA$100 + CA$45 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Not required
Proof of funds	Bank statements showing sufficient funds for stay and return

How to apply

1
Gather documents
Collect all required documents listed above, including valid passport, forms, photos, and financial proof.
2
Complete application forms
Fill out IRCC forms IMM 5257, IMM 5645, and IMM 5257 B accurately.
3
Pay fees online
Pay visa fee (CAD 100) and biometrics fee (CAD 85) via IRCC online payment system.
4
Book biometrics appointment
Schedule an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) for fingerprints and photo.
5
Submit application and documents at VAC
Bring printed forms, photos, passport, payment receipts, and all supporting documents to the VAC; submit in person.
6
Biometrics enrollment
Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at the VAC during your appointment.
7
Processing by IRCC
Your application is processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); you may be contacted for additional documents.
8
Visa decision and passport return
Once approved, IRCC will affix the visa in your passport and return it via the VAC or courier.
9
Travel to Canada
Ensure you have the visa in your passport before travel; carry copies of documents and proof of funds.
10
Upon arrival
Present your passport and visa to CBSA officer; may be asked about purpose, funds, and onward travel.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure from Canada
Two recent passport-sized photos
Meet IRCC photo specifications
Completed Temporary Resident Visa application form (IMM 5257)
Fill out online or by hand
Family information form (IMM 5645)
Provide details of all family members
Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257 B)
For certain applicants including Afghanistan
Biometrics fee receipt and appointment confirmation
Pay the biometrics fee and book an appointment at a VAC
Marriage certificate or birth certificate (if applicable)
Optional
For accompanying family members

Travel

Travel itinerary (round trip booking or flight reservation)
Confirmed or placeholder reservation

Financial

Proof of financial support
Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsor letter

Employment

Proof of employment or studies
Employer letter, payslips, or school enrollment letter

Supporting

Letter of invitation (if applicable)
Optional
From host in Canada, including their status proof
Purpose of visit (cover letter)
Explain reason for travel and ties to home country
Criminal record certificate (if required)
Optional
May be requested by visa officer
Medical exam evidence (if required)
Optional
Only if you plan to stay more than 6 months

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover stay and return (e.g., CAD 2,000+ for a short visit)

Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Pay stubs
Sponsor letter with sponsor's bank statement

Consular officers may request additional proof; no fixed minimum but must clearly show ability to fund trip.

Good to know

Afghan passport holders face additional scrutiny; a strong application with clear ties to home country is essential.
Canada does not offer a visa-on-arrival or eVisa for Afghan nationals; only the regular in-person TRV route is available.
Biometrics appointment is mandatory; no walk-ins accepted.
Processing times vary and can exceed 90 days for Afghan applications due to security checks.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to home country

Provide strong evidence of employment, family, property, or studies in Afghanistan.

Lack of funds or unclear financial support

Submit detailed bank statements and a clear sponsor letter if applicable.

Incomplete or incorrect application forms

Double-check all fields and include all required schedules.

Criminal or security inadmissibility

Obtain police clearance if needed and disclose any issues honestly.

Previous visa refusal or violation

Provide explanation and evidence of changed circumstances.

FAQ

Do citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa).

How long can citizens of Afghanistan stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of Afghanistan?

Government fee: CA$100 + CA$45 service fee.

How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 30–90 days.

What documents do citizens of Afghanistan need for Canada?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Two recent passport-sized photos; Completed Temporary Resident Visa application form (IMM 5257); Family information form (IMM 5645); Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257 B); Biometrics fee receipt and appointment confirmation; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Canada?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

canada.ca

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